![A trip to the #Giro is more about the travel than the bike race to me.
We woke at 6AM to run down get some grub and head to the gate for our 735AM flight to Pisa. It was cold and raining in manchester. I was already awake due to the time change from flying across the world. My body was thinking it was in Portland, but my brain was just mush. Coffee was going to be the key.
Tired but excited to fly again.
The task of flying in Europe is so much easier as their airport security seems a bit more competent then the ones we have in the States. The process is laid out pretty efficiently and I really liked not having to take off my fracking shoes. They even chuckled at my comment about taking my pants off for them.
Landing in Pisa, no gate just walk on the tarmack
When in Italy make sure you drink the espresso. [First of many]
We just had enough time to run to the leaning tower of Pisa and snap a quick photo.
Driving in the Tuscan sun
Our first night included a 16 course meal with Team Guru which was the highlight of the trip.
The day of the race I was able to sneak out in the morning and pick up some gifts for the family but not before getting some coffee in me.
For some reason they had pink bikes around. I didn’t catch why as I was wondering around with out an interpreter.
Before the Peleton arrives they hold races and have all sorts of festivities. Whot do you think will win?
A view of the finish for stage 11
I always enjoy seeing the 1k flag while watching the races on the internet, now here it is.
Pizza and beer for lunch, oh my!
Does #bikeschool have a Italian chapter? http://www.biciscuola.it
Frank is always happy, especially in the VIP bleacher seats. Another highlight of the trip was sitting next to Frank for the stage as he was able to give great commentary on par with Phil Ligget. He has been involved with Irish cycling for many many years.
After the race we met up with “the boys” for drinks and dinner. Hanging out with Foodies from Italy proved to be a really delicious night. Visiting Nonna’s in Sheffield will be high on my priorities for the next time I go to visit the UK.
A red wine from Tuscany and an espesso.
Stumbling into Roberto Ferrari was a treat at breakfast. I still find funy that I really didn’t recognize him because of the hair. My Italian waiter pointed him out.
A view from the plane as we left.
The Alps still have snow and look formidable. Can you believe Hannibal marched war elephants through this region to attack Rome between 200-218BC?! Awesome!
Traveling to Italy proved to be a great treat in the middle of my trip to the UK. I was glad to be able to just tag along and ended up seeing some amazing sights. I never thought I would get to Italy so soon, as I was planning for sometime in the next couple years as a history trip. [note: a great podcast is “the history of Rome”]
make a note of it I will be back.
Jeremy](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4e2s8szj11qbmkqyo1_1280.jpg)
A trip to the #Giro is more about the travel than the bike race to me.
We woke at 6AM to run down get some grub and head to the gate for our 735AM flight to Pisa. It was cold and raining in manchester. I was already awake due to the time change from flying across the world. My body was thinking it was in Portland, but my brain was just mush. Coffee was going to be the key.
Tired but excited to fly again.
The task of flying in Europe is so much easier as their airport security seems a bit more competent then the ones we have in the States. The process is laid out pretty efficiently and I really liked not having to take off my fracking shoes. They even chuckled at my comment about taking my pants off for them.
Landing in Pisa, no gate just walk on the tarmack
When in Italy make sure you drink the espresso. [First of many]
We just had enough time to run to the leaning tower of Pisa and snap a quick photo.
Driving in the Tuscan sun
Our first night included a 16 course meal with Team Guru which was the highlight of the trip.
The day of the race I was able to sneak out in the morning and pick up some gifts for the family but not before getting some coffee in me.
For some reason they had pink bikes around. I didn’t catch why as I was wondering around with out an interpreter.
Before the Peleton arrives they hold races and have all sorts of festivities. Whot do you think will win?
A view of the finish for stage 11
I always enjoy seeing the 1k flag while watching the races on the internet, now here it is.
Pizza and beer for lunch, oh my!
Does #bikeschool have a Italian chapter? http://www.biciscuola.it
Frank is always happy, especially in the VIP bleacher seats. Another highlight of the trip was sitting next to Frank for the stage as he was able to give great commentary on par with Phil Ligget. He has been involved with Irish cycling for many many years.
After the race we met up with “the boys” for drinks and dinner. Hanging out with Foodies from Italy proved to be a really delicious night. Visiting Nonna’s in Sheffield will be high on my priorities for the next time I go to visit the UK.
A red wine from Tuscany and an espesso.
Stumbling into Roberto Ferrari was a treat at breakfast. I still find funy that I really didn’t recognize him because of the hair. My Italian waiter pointed him out.
A view from the plane as we left.
The Alps still have snow and look formidable. Can you believe Hannibal marched war elephants through this region to attack Rome between 200-218BC?! Awesome!
Traveling to Italy proved to be a great treat in the middle of my trip to the UK. I was glad to be able to just tag along and ended up seeing some amazing sights. I never thought I would get to Italy so soon, as I was planning for sometime in the next couple years as a history trip. [note: a great podcast is “the history of Rome”]
make a note of it I will be back.
Jeremy
Hanging at the #giro. #euroadventure
![The elevator [lift to the Brits] could barely fit the three of us. We were worried about getting stuck. #euroadventure](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m43wsejXAQ1qbmkqyo1_400.jpg)
The elevator [lift to the Brits] could barely fit the three of us. We were worried about getting stuck. #euroadventure
Team Guru treated us to a 15 course typical Italian meal last night. I am glad of my many many hours of watching the Food Network. ;) #euroadventure
While in Pistoia we stopped by for a tour of Viner bikes. #euroadventure
Viner is a Italian frame manufacturer that started after world war 2 in 1947. They make some great quality bikes in Italy. Just wandering around the factory you can feel the bike industrial history here. The brand is owned and operated by the great great grandkids of the original owner Viviano Nerozzi. You could just sense the pride as they walked us through and gave a tour.
No trip to Pisa would be complete without a quick trip to the leaning tower of Pisa. #euroadventure
First cappuccino latte of many. #euroadventure #coffee
Got another stamp, no questions asked entering Italy. #euroadventure
Landed in Pisa. #euroadventure
Frank looks tired, I probably should have let him sleep. Pre flight to Pisa. #euroadventure
“QUIT going on about the F**KING WALLS!” #euroadventure
@shedfire’s best response as I ask or point out something uniquely interesting about the small stone walls in and around the fields of Hebden Bridge.
The country side is lined and split up via stone walls made with stone from the area. It gives the UK character I think.
Something to see when you visit
Jeremy
Enjoying some post ride beers at the Stubbing Wharf. After some serious technical northern English trail riding on a Fatty bike, a Rockstar, and an unnamed prototype hardtail 29er Brant, Matt, and myself settled in for some local beers (Copper Dragon, Golden Pippin).
Flight plans. Today I fly from Portland to Phili. Then a layover. Finally from Phili to Manchester. I will end up flying through the night forward in time.
My trip plans include visiting World HQ for Planet X bikes, Mountain Biking in the UK, a trip to Italy, And a day of watching il Giro D’italia. There will most likely be beer drinking and food eating, but despite what Lance says, it is about the bike.
You can follow along with the hashtag #euroadventure.
Have fun,
Jeremy
What does this race ride profile have to do with me? #giro
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I just booked flights to the UK and to Italy. I am going to visit the home base of On-One, Planet X, and Titus Cycles. While there we are going to pop on down to the Giro to catch a glimpse of Stage 11! I really can not believe it, but it is happening.
I always hate the day before travel. I always feel like I am missing something. The way I get through it is I say to myself “if you forgot it, you didn’t need it.”
Bike Geek, Cancer Survivor, and geeky dad. Writes about cycling, two wheeled culture, and the bicycle industry.